What You Need to Know About Kratom Addiction and Recovery

By Your Health Magazine

Your Health Magazine

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What You Need to Know About Kratom Addiction and Recovery

Kratom is a plant native to Southeast Asia that’s often used for pain relief, mood enhancement, or as an alternative to opioids. While some users turn to kratom to manage chronic pain or opioid withdrawal, the substance itself can be addictive. As kratom use increases, so do cases of kratom addiction and dependency. This article will walk you through everything you need to know about kratom withdrawal symptoms, what to expect during the withdrawal timeline, and the support options available to help you recover safely and successfully.

Understanding each stage of withdrawal, and the importance of medical detox and mental health support, can make a significant difference in navigating the process and achieving long-term recovery.

Understanding Kratom Addiction and How It Develops

Although many people use kratom for pain relief or managing opioid withdrawal, it has never been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as safe or effective for any medical use.

Kratom affects the brain’s mu-opioid receptors, the same receptors activated by drugs like morphine and heroin. While some users initially take it for its stimulating or pain-relieving effects, repeated use, especially at higher doses, can lead to physical dependence. Over time, this dependence may evolve into kratom addiction, marked by cravings, compulsive use, and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop.

Signs of Kratom Addiction

Like other substances that lead to substance use disorder, kratom addiction can affect mental health, relationships, and everyday functioning. Many people begin using kratom under the impression that it’s a safer alternative to opioids, but its addictive properties can quickly lead to dependency requiring medical support.

A person experiencing a kratom addiction may show signs such as:

• Using kratom daily or in increasing amounts (higher doses)
• Failed attempts to quit or reduce use
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using
• Neglecting work, school, or family responsibilities
• Continuing use despite clear negative consequences

Kratom Withdrawal Symptoms: What to Expect

Kratom withdrawal symptoms can vary based on the dose, duration of use, and individual health conditions. While some people experience mild symptoms, others may face more intense physical and mental symptoms.

Common Physical Symptoms

When you stop using kratom, your body may experience unpleasant symptoms such as:

• Abdominal pain
• Muscle aches
• Sweating and chills
• Nausea or vomiting
• High blood pressure

Common Psychological Withdrawal Symptoms

Your mental state will also be affected after stopping or reducing intake. You may experience:

• Anxiety or restlessness
• Depressed mood
• Irritability
• Insomnia
• Cravings

These symptoms can closely mirror those of opioid withdrawal, making it especially challenging to quit without proper support. In addition, the severity of kratom symptoms withdrawal often intensifies with higher doses or long-term use.

Kratom Withdrawal Timeline: How Long Does It Last?

Understanding the kratom withdrawal timeline helps set realistic expectations for recovery. Knowing what to expect and when can reduce fear and make it easier to manage symptoms with appropriate support.

General Kratom Withdrawal Timeline

The duration and intensity of withdrawal depend on several factors, including how much and how often a person uses kratom. While individual experiences may vary, here is a general outline of what to expect:

• 6–12 Hours After Last Use: Early symptoms begin, such as anxiety and restlessness.
• 1–3 Days: Symptoms peak. This is when physical symptoms, such as muscle aches and abdominal pain, are most intense.
• 4–7 Days: Symptoms gradually subside, though sleep disturbances and mood swings may persist.
• 1+ Week: Post-acute withdrawal may occur, with ongoing psychological symptoms like anxiety and cravings.

How Kratom Withdrawal Compares to Opioid Withdrawal

Because kratom affects the same mu-opioid receptors as opioids, its withdrawal symptoms often mirror those of opioid withdrawal. However, kratom withdrawal is often described as milder. That said, people with a history of opioid use disorder or drug and alcohol dependence may find kratom withdrawal particularly challenging.

Still, even moderate withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable and make it difficult to quit without help.

The Role of Medical Detox in Kratom Recovery

Medical detox provides a safe and supervised environment for managing kratom withdrawal. In this controlled environment, healthcare providers can administer medications, monitor vital signs, and address both physical and psychological symptoms that may arise.

Benefits of Medical Detox

Medical detox will help with:

• Symptom management for acute withdrawal
• Monitoring for severe symptoms like high blood pressure
• Mental health support
• Prevention of complications from kratom misuse or other substances

Medical detox is especially recommended for individuals who:

• Use kratom alongside other drugs
• Have underlying medical conditions
• Experience intense psychological symptoms

Medication-Assisted Treatment and Other Therapies

Managing withdrawal is only one part of kratom recovery. Long-term healing often requires additional treatments that address cravings and emotional struggles.

Medication-Assisted Treatment Options

Though there is no FDA-approved medication specifically for kratom addiction, some treatments used for opioid addiction may help.

• Buprenorphine-Naloxone: May ease cravings and reduce withdrawal symptoms.
• Clonidine: Helps with anxiety and high blood pressure.
• Over-the-counter Medications: Can relieve muscle aches, nausea, and sleep disturbances.

In addition to medication-assisted treatment, therapies and counseling are essential for long term recovery. Individual therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and support groups help address the psychological roots of substance use, build healthier coping mechanisms, and support lasting change.

Supporting Recovery: Mental Health and Relapse Prevention

Recovery from kratom addiction involves more than managing physical symptoms. Mental health care is key to sustaining recovery and preventing relapse.

Tips to Manage Withdrawal Symptoms and Maintain Sobriety

• Build a Strong Support System: Friends, family, or sober peers can provide valuable support.
• Address Mental Health Conditions: Anxiety, depression, or trauma may contribute to kratom use.
• Join Support Groups: Peer-led meetings offer guidance and accountability.
• Create a Relapse Prevention Plan: Know your triggers and how to handle cravings.
• Practice Self-Care: Exercise, nutrition, and sleep aid in healing.

People recovering from kratom addiction or any other form of substance use disorder often benefit from combining medical detox with ongoing therapy and mental health services.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you’re struggling with kratom use, professional help can make a significant difference. Signs that it’s time to seek help include:

• Unsuccessful attempts to stop
• Severe withdrawal symptoms
• Negative impact on your work, relationships, or health
• Using kratom with other substances or due to chronic pain

Healthcare providers can offer diagnostic and statistical manual–based assessments to determine the severity of drug dependency or any co-occurring mental health issues.

Where to Get Help

Getting help early can prevent long-term complications and support lasting change. You can seek help for any form of substance abuse from:

• Any detox and drug rehab center in Riverside
• Mental health clinics
• Poison control centers for kratom exposures
• Local behavioral health services
• Telehealth therapy options

Conclusion

Recovering from kratom addiction can be challenging, but with the right knowledge and support, recovery is possible. By understanding kratom withdrawal symptoms, seeking medical detox when necessary, and addressing any underlying mental health concerns, you can move forward with confidence. Whether you’re navigating mild symptoms or more intense physical and psychological symptoms, you don’t have to do it alone. Healing starts with taking the first step.

If you or someone you know is struggling with kratom use or any other form of drug abuse, don’t wait. Reach out to healthcare providers or support groups today because your mental health, safety, and future matter.